The Philadelphia Axis: A Strategic Blunder ⁤in the Gaza Strip

Israeli writer Tzavi Barel argues that the Philadelphia ‍axis has ​become a ‍symbol of Israel’s failed policy ‍in the Gaza Strip,‌ with the lives of Israeli prisoners hanging in the balance. Despite knowing that maintaining control over the ​axis is futile,‍ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and​ his ministers continue to cling to it, driven by a misguided ambition to occupy Gaza⁢ permanently.

Barel contends​ that the Israeli army ‌and internal intelligence (Shin Bet) recognize the axis’ ⁣lack⁣ of strategic importance, yet Netanyahu⁢ and the cabinet insist on keeping it, “as if it were a matter of reclaiming⁤ the Promised Land.” This obsession has led to the deaths of Israeli prisoners, a grim consequence​ of Netanyahu’s ⁤refusal to abandon the axis.

The False⁤ Claim⁤ of Security

Barel disputes ⁣the⁢ claim that surrendering the Philadelphia ⁤axis after disengagement from‌ Gaza has undermined Israel’s security. He argues that this assertion ⁣ignores the site’s history, which has never prevented attacks by Hamas, even when Israel‍ had ​complete control over the Strip between⁢ 1967 and 2005.

The ⁣author cites numerous incidents that disprove this claim, including the 15,000 ‍attacks launched by the Gaza Strip between 2000 and 2005. He‌ also points to the West Bank,⁤ where the Israeli ⁣army is‌ deployed, yet settlers complain of a lack of protection, and weapons continue to flow to resistance groups.

Barel asserts that the prisoners’ lives have​ become dependent on‍ the evacuation of the axis,⁣ but⁤ Netanyahu ​is trying ⁣to exaggerate ​its ⁢importance at the‍ cost ‍of dozens of prisoners’ lives. The author believes that Hamas understands Israel’s ambition, while Egypt fears it, and the US knows where it is leading.

Historically, Israel is not the only country to fall into the illusion of absolute security. Barel draws a parallel with the US⁣ experience in‌ Iraq, where Washington had‍ an “exit strategy” that combined military​ efforts⁢ with a civilian effort based on ​rebuilding and relying on the Iraqi army‍ and police. In contrast, Israel has no intention of establishing a Palestinian government as an alternative to ⁣Hamas;⁣ it only wants to occupy Gaza permanently, with the Philadelphia axis being⁢ the fastest way ⁣to achieve this goal.